Memory Ball

Don Mattran, left, Marianne Fishler, and Mac Tisdale The Marriott Waterfront ballroom was packed full of people and emotion at the Alzheimer's Association's $300-a-ticket Memory Ball. Many of the 800 folks in attendance -- including chairs Dr. Deborah Gisriel Bittar and Susie Boltansky Mann -- were there because a loved one had been affected by the disease. But compassion wasn't the only emotion in the room. There was also a great sense of fun tinged with anxiety as the crowd cheered on 10 local couples who competed in an amateur "Dancing With The Stars" style of competition, the highlight of the party. That led to yet another sentiment, generally felt most acutely by the evening's dance participants: relief. Just ask Jan Braun, the first competitor to step on the dance floor. And off it. "It was so much fun," she said."But I'm so glad it's over." If you are planning a fundraising party you would like considered for Scene & Heard coverage, email sloane@sloanebrown.com.

Don Mattran, left, Marianne Fishler, and Mac Tisdale The Marriott Waterfront ballroom was packed full of people and emotion at the Alzheimer's Association's $300-a-ticket Memory Ball. Many of the 800 folks in attendance -- including chairs Dr. Deborah Gisriel Bittar and Susie Boltansky Mann -- were there because a loved one had been affected by the disease. But compassion wasn't the only emotion in the room. There was also a great sense of fun tinged with anxiety as the crowd cheered on 10 local couples who competed in an amateur "Dancing With The Stars" style of competition, the highlight of the party. That led to yet another sentiment, generally felt most acutely by the evening's dance participants: relief. Just ask Jan Braun, the first competitor to step on the dance floor. And off it. "It was so much fun," she said."But I'm so glad it's over." If you are planning a fundraising party you would like considered for Scene & Heard coverage, email sloane@sloanebrown.com. (Photo by Karen Jackson, For The Baltimore Sun)

Don Mattran, left, Marianne Fishler, and Mac Tisdale The Marriott Waterfront ballroom was packed full of people and emotion at the Alzheimer's Association's $300-a-ticket Memory Ball. Many of the 800 folks in attendance -- including chairs Dr. Deborah Gisriel Bittar and Susie Boltansky Mann -- were there because a loved one had been affected by the disease. But compassion wasn't the only emotion in the room. There was also a great sense of fun tinged with anxiety as the crowd cheered on 10 local couples who competed in an amateur "Dancing With The Stars" style of competition, the highlight of the party. That led to yet another sentiment, generally felt most acutely by the evening's dance participants: relief. Just ask Jan Braun, the first competitor to step on the dance floor. And off it. "It was so much fun," she said."But I'm so glad it's over." If you are planning a fundraising party you would like considered for Scene & Heard coverage, email sloane@sloanebrown.com.Photo by Karen Jackson, For The Baltimore Sun